It is with great sadness that TBGB reports William R. Hamilton, minister of music at Chicago’s historic New Covenant M.B. Church (Rev. Stephen J. Thurston, Pastor), transitioned from labor to earthly reward this morning after an extended illness.
Hamilton was also an integral part of Chicago Mass Choir and a member of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild.
The last time I saw William, we were on the same plane coming back to Chicago from the Stellar Awards early the following Sunday. I asked him why he was on such an early flight, and he replied that he didn’t want to miss Sunday service with his music department. While many artists were still asleep from the evening’s festivities, William was fending off fatigue to do what gospel music was originally intended to do: minister in the church to the congregation.
I know New Covenant and Chicago Mass will surely miss him, as will we all. One thing’s for sure: if Jesus ever gets discouraged in Heaven, one smile from William will make it better.
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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